The DVD Dissection: Things We Lost in the Fire

Posted by Chad Webb on 03.06.2008

One of 2007’s most underappreciated serious dramas comes to DVD.

Halle Berry: Audrey Burke
Benicio Del Toro: Jerry Sunborne
David Duchovny: Brian Burke
Alexis Llewellyn: Harper Burke
Micah Berry: Dory Burke
John Carroll Lynch: Howard Glassman
Alison Lohman: Kelly
Robin Weigert: Brenda
Omar Benson Miller: Neal
Directed By: Susanne Bier
Written By: Allan Loeb
Theatrical Release Date: October 19, 2007
DVD Release Date: March 4, 2008
Running Time: 119 minutes







Rated R for drug content and language.

The Film

There are sad films, and then there are depressing films. What separates the two is the responsibility of the director, not the screenwriter. The subject matter and tone of Things We Lost in the Fire may immediately strike you as the latter, but rest assured this is a story about moving on from tragedy. This is a movie that understands death, the grieving process, and the adjustment after the fact. As I admired the characters for a second and even third time, I noticed and admired how accurately it conveyed the emotions of the brokenhearted, not just through dialogue, but the lonely moments. Those times of the day where you are by yourself, and must face the circumstances head on. Things We Lost in the Fire was one of the most underrated dramas of 2007.

Brian Burke (David Duchovny), husband to Audrey Burke (Halle Berry), and father to Harper (Alexis Llewellyn) and Dory (Micah Berry) is dead. He was killed suddenly after attempting to interject in a domestic disturbance. In the beginning of the story, his friends and family are attending his funeral. Audrey is putting on a strong façade, but is definitely suffering internally. Out of nowhere, she remembers that she has not invited Jerry Sunborne (Benicio Del Toro), Brian’s best buddy for decades. When Jerry arrives, he stands out, seeing as he is a recovering heroin addict. Jerry would like to assist Audrey and her children as they recuperate from the untimely death, but he is also battling his own demons, which are constantly challenging him around every corner. Through sporadic flashbacks, viewers observe what kind of person Brian was, while simultaneously noticing how much of an impact he left on the world around him.

I have enjoyed exactly two Halle Berry depictions. Monster’s Ball and Things We Lost in the Fire. She can be a phenomenal actress, but she is persistently selecting roles that do not suit her, and her range is definitely not as broad as what she would like to imagine. However, as Audrey Burke, Berry is searing, restrained, and passionate all wrapped up into one traumatically poignant bundle of bottled up despondency. She occasionally expresses some responses and comments that are cruel, selfish, and inappropriate, but she is not judged because we understand where those words are emerging from. She is in pain, and all of us have our own ways of sorting through it. Audrey is a woman who has not faced the realism that her husband is gone. She blocks out the fear that lies in his computer room, evidently a place he spent a lot of time. Berry excels at simple parts, people that are volatile or could burst at any moment.

If any person was unjustly snubbed at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, it was Benicio Del Toro. His portrayal of Jerry Sunborne is exhilarating and powerful on a level few performers can achieve. From his first to last appearance on screen, he is brilliant, channeling the damaged life of a drug addict, while evoking the buried intelligence and consideration located in his soul. A weaker actor would not have known how to approach such a standard part like that of Jerry Sunborne, but Del Toro tackles him with guts and subdued intensity. Jerry has found himself in an awkward position. Audrey has never much cared for him, and now he is helping her and the kids through a difficult period. He wants to make himself available, but he also does not want to interfere as if he is a new father figure. In the middle of this painful stage, he is also constantly tempted by a heroin relapse. Del Toro can do anything, and this proves it.

David Duchovny assumes the role of the deceased, and he shows the signs of being a loving companion to his wife, and a thoughtful Dad to Harper and Dory. My only minor complaint is that Brian is a bit too Saint-like, but the point is clear, and that is how unfortunate his passing is. In the beginning, he shares such a stirring scene with Micah Berry where he explains what “fluorescent” means. The children are a vital component to this picture. Things We Lost in the Fire contains adult messages, but the effect this death has on the 6-year-old and 10-year-old is important and crucial in why this is such an excellent film. Their connection does not fade into the background. Director Susanne Bier affords Harper and Dory almost as much significance as Audrey and Jerry. Micah Berry is Dory, and Alexis Llewellyn is Harper. The two of them establish a brother/sister chemistry that is so rare these days. Neither is annoying, nor does either struggle with the material. They are just as compelling and convincing as anyone else in the cast. They are seen as inquisitive and confused about death because that is precisely what occurs when you experience such sadness at a young age.

This marks the English language debut for Danish director Susanne Bier. She has sprung onto American soil with virtually no trouble at all. Her masterful touches transform this from a good film to an exceptional one. She has previously completed two wonderful foreign efforts, After the Wedding and Brothers, and thankfully her talent can be flaunted to a wider audience. She captures the intimacy of the loss, the stillness of regular afternoon, and the honesty of embracing the positive to move on. The direction of a female is unmistakable, and I mean that in the best manner possible. Her casual close-ups of the face and the peaceful shots of various areas around the house exemplify expert transitions between scenes. This is a plot that has room to breathe to the point where we have become immersed in this suburban Seattle neighborhood. She is testing the patience of the viewer, and also demonstrating why exploring several tender details of a human being or a home is essential in shaping the universe.

That Bier managed to take such mainstream stars, and trudge through modern studio technicalities to craft such a staggering and harrowing portrait of death is overwhelming. The screenplay was Allan Loeb’s first, and it is no surprise that he currently has seven projects on the horizon, including a television pilot. His instinctive approach in presenting the right phrases, yet relying on the actor’s to convey certain sentiments and sensations is staggering. He allows a platform for the cast, even John Carroll Lynch as associate Howard Glassman, or Alison Lohman as a fellow drug addict. His flow is organic and authentic.

When I was a security guard at a hospital, one of the first things I was trained on was placing different patient in restraints. Commonly they were drug addicts, who could not control their actions, or were perhaps a danger to themselves. I saw some disturbing things then. Things We Lost in the Fire understands how someone can rely on drugs, and is blunt in revealing how demanding the journey to rehabilitation can be. Allan Loeb was a perfect match for Susanne Bier. Their combined talents formed an unforgettable motion picture that was adept in exposing agonizing situations. Death is obviously a way of life, and if you have experienced an abrupt loss similar to the one in the script, Things We Lost in the Fire probably made a profound impact on you as it did me. Nonetheless, no matter who you are, or what you might have endured, this is an extraordinary film that everyone can benefit from.

The Video

The house that the Burkes lived in is just gorgeous. This is not only included to spice up the set, but the character of Brian Burke happened to be a mortgage developer. Because of this exquisite dwelling, Director Susanne Bier and Clint Eastwood's regular Cinematographer Tom Stern shoot an endless smorgasbord of stunning picturesque images, whether it be of the kids playing in a field, or Audrey washing her hands. Stern seizes the personal sequences with such grace and refinement as the vast array of colors infuses the proceedings with such loveliness. This is a flawless picture transfer with no visible grain, soft smudges, or blurry predicaments. The color scheme is saturated, yet balanced. Every aspect has been preserved with the anamorphic widescreen ratio of 2.35:2 looking great.

The Audio

The dialogue contains a lot of whispering and quiet conversations, but is a testament to the audio work that every line is completely lucid and crystal clear for the listener. The mood and tone that Susanne Bier intended to express has shifted from screen to DVD with outstanding results. Bier brought composer Johan Soderqvist along with her, and his modest guitar score that is recurring throughout the film is magnificent, reminiscent of Gustavo Santoalla on Brokeback Mountain. The music swells at the proper times, but does not cue us to cry or feel any pre-boxed emotion. Soderqvist’s substance amplifies the force of the events. The sound has Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks as well as nice subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.

The Packaging

Things We Lost in the Fire was distributed in a standard black keep case with security clips on the side and no booklet or chapter listing sheet on the inside. The artwork is basically copied from the poster image, which is fabulous and suitable. The menu screens recall the same poster image with music in the background. They are easy to navigate.

The Extras

A Discussion About Things We Lost in the Fire (20:25) – This not really a discussion as much as it is a regular “Making-of” or “Behind the Scenes” featurette on the film. This has interviews with Susanne Bier, Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, and others. They discuss casting, Bier’s style of direction, the story, locations, and so forth. I felt this was a fairly adequate length and it covered a good deal of what I wanted to learn about.

Deleted Scenes (9:26) – There are seven in all, which are: “Neal Does Mumsie for Dory”, “Dwayne OD’d”, “Howard Tests Jerry”, “Jerry Makes Breakfast”, “It All Comes Down to the Finish”, “Family Breakfast”, and “Audrey Gives Jerry the Cupboad.” Most of these were cut for good reason. A couple might have been effective with some restructuring, but others go off with a different mood. These were interesting, but better removed.

Theatrical Trailer (2:25) – I thought this was a very acceptable trailer. This is the type of story where it is not so much what is revealed that counts as much as actually watching the film from beginning to end.

Previews (9:10) - The following trailers will play once you insert the disc: Shine a Light, Beowulf, Margot at the Wedding, and The Kite Runner.

The Film: 9.0/10.0
The Video: 9.0/10.0
The Audio: 8.5/10.0
The Packaging: 7.5/10.0
The extras: 6.5/10.0

The 411: Things We Lost in the Fire came and went from theaters in a rush, and that is a shame. I hope more people give it a chance on DVD. From Producer Sam Mendes, Director Susanne Bier, and Screenwriter Allan Loeb, this is a heartbreaking story about death that is not overly depressing. Hope is an important factor in shaping the tone, and that makes it a terrific experience. This is also a tour de force for performer as the acting is top notch from Halle Berry, Benicio Del Toro, and the supporting cast. The technical specifications are excellent and do a tremendous job of preserving the quality intended for the viewer. The bonus features are the obvious weak link with no commentary, but that is forgivable due to the “making-of” and “deleted scenes” which show some effort. I highly recommend checking this out. It is an adult drama worth your time.

Final Score:  8.5   [ Very Good ]